KOTA BHARU, 18 January 2026 — Kelantan The Real Warriors FC (TRW FC) have been urged to play with confidence and without fear when they face Selangor FC in the first round of the Malaysia Cup knockout stage at the Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium tomorrow night.
TRW FC assistant head coach Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli said he does not want his players to feel intimidated by the opposition and instead wants them to perform boldly on home ground.
Akmal Rizal acknowledged that the match will be a tough challenge, noting Selangor FC’s current standing as one of the top five teams in the Malaysia League (M-League).
“The players need to be strong enough. We realise that tomorrow night’s match will be difficult for us to win because Selangor FC is among the top five teams in the Malaysia League at the moment,” he said.
He added that Selangor FC possess a well-rounded squad featuring quality imported and local players, and stressed the importance of mental strength and determination among his players.
“They have a complete squad, quality players, both imported and local, so we need to work hard, and every player must have the will, and not be overwhelmed by the opposing team,” he said when met by Bernama recently.
Both TRW FC and Selangor FC, who compete in the Super League, are among 16 teams contesting this year’s Malaysia Cup, alongside 14 other sides, in what is regarded as the oldest football competition in Southeast Asia.
Akmal Rizal also expressed hope that his squad can build on the positive momentum from their recent Super League victory over Sabah FC, using it as confidence heading into the Malaysia Cup clash.
